Suzuki’s Swift Ascend : Racing to the Heart of Simola Hill Climb

In an exhilarating twist that sounds like the plot of a motorsport fairy tale, Suzuki Auto South Africa is all set to invade the Simola Hill Climb with a trio of Swift Sports that promise more drama than a season finale of your favorite racing show. From 2 to 5 May in Knysna, the hills won’t just be alive with the sound of music, but with the revving, heart-thumping roar of Suzuki’s finest, as they aim to snatch the silverware in the King of the Hill competition’s class A1, for the third consecutive year.

But wait, there’s more. As if sponsoring the event wasn’t enough, Suzuki is turning the Simola Hill Climb into their own personal carnival. Hosting media marquees, taking care of the notorious speed camera in Zone 4, and managing Gasoline Alley, Suzuki is basically the cool uncle of the motorsport world, ensuring everyone has a good time near the bridge at the end of the run.

Brand Marketing Manager, Brendon Carpenter, waxed lyrical about the “beautiful symmetry” between Suzuki’s brand ethos and the Simola Hill Climb, aiming to make fun and reliable motoring accessible to all. It’s like they’re trying to win the hearts of the masses before the race even starts!

For their 2024 hill attack, Suzuki isn’t just bringing any cars; they’re bringing three Suzuki Swift Sports piloted by a lineup that reads like the Avengers of motorsport. Wesley Greybe, Brendon Staniforth, and Thomas Falkiner are the seasoned trio chosen to prove that you don’t need to mortgage your house for a chance to win. Falkiner, the most experienced hill climber among them, praised the Swift Sport for its unmatched performance and fun factor at its price point. He’s betting on the Swift Sport’s lightweight advantage for the twisty mountain track of Simola.

Meanwhile, Staniforth and Greybe are throwing shade at the heavyweights of hill racing, arguing that the classic sports car formula of low weight, great chassis, and just enough power has consistently put the more powerful, bulkier cars to shame. With their sights set on continuing this tradition, it seems the Swift Sport is the David ready to take on the Goliaths of the racing world.

Greybe, the precision and stunt driver with a knack for mentoring young racers, promises a “completely different discussion around a few beers each night” with all the accumulated expertise in this year’s competition. It’s not just about the racing; it’s about the camaraderie, the strategy, and, of course, the bragging rights.

The second-generation Swift Sport they’re driving is no slouch either. With 103 kW and 230 Nm of torque from a 1.4-litre engine, coupled with a feathery mass of only 970 kg—thanks to engineering feats like shaving down speaker magnets—this car is the embodiment of motorsport spirit. Suzuki’s dedication to performance and driver engagement is clear, and with a vehicle that can be “steered by the throttle as well as it can be steered by the steering wheel,” it’s no wonder fans are already cheering them on.

As the event draws near, anticipation builds, not just for the race, but for the spectacle Suzuki promises to deliver. With live streaming available on YouTube, fans worldwide won’t miss a beat of this automotive symphony. It seems Suzuki is not just racing for the podium but for the hearts of the average South African, and from the looks of it, they’re off to a flying start.

The post Suzuki’s Swift Ascend : Racing to the Heart of Simola Hill Climb first appeared on Fuelled.